Livery Cab Workers Speak Out: Fears of Robberies and Carjackings
- nysftd2024
- Apr 23, 2024
- 2 min read
April 23, 2024 – Bronx, New York
The voices of New York City’s livery cab drivers are growing louder. In a recent YouTube news segment, drivers spoke candidly about their growing fear of robberies and carjackings — a disturbing trend that has shaken the industry in recent weeks.
For many, what used to be a normal day behind the wheel has turned into a dangerous gamble. Stories of drivers being targeted at night, sometimes at gunpoint, are becoming all too common.
A Community on Edge
The segment highlights the very real anxiety felt by drivers, most of whom are immigrants working long hours to provide for their families. One driver described how he hesitates before picking up passengers whose faces are hidden by hoodies or masks. Another said that he constantly looks over his shoulder, fearing that the next ride could be his last.
These are not isolated feelings — they reflect a wider unease spreading through the livery industry across the Bronx and Brooklyn.
NYSFTD Responds
In response, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD) recently announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for recent attacks. Federation spokesperson Fernando Mateo urged drivers to use extreme caution, stressing the importance of avoiding pickups where the passenger’s face isn’t clearly visible.
This bold move not only shows leadership but also reassures drivers that their safety concerns are being taken seriously.
Why It Matters
Livery cab drivers play an essential role in New York City, especially in outer boroughs where yellow taxis and rideshare apps are often scarce. Their safety is community safety. When drivers fear for their lives, it affects everyone who depends on their services — families, seniors, late-night workers, and everyday New Yorkers.
The recent video gives a face to this crisis, turning statistics into real stories of men and women who simply want to work in peace. Press Links
YouTube – Livery cab workers fear robberies, carjackingshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7hCMv76xQw
News 12 Bronx – Reward offered after carjackings and robbery surge targeting livery drivershttps://bronx.news12.com/nys-federation-of-taxi-drivers-offer-5000-reward-after-string-of-carjackings-and-robberies
CBS New York – Taxi drivers in Bronx & Brooklyn face surge in robberies; $5K reward announcedhttps://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/local/reward-offered-livery-drivers-carjackings
PIX11 News – Livery drivers on edge after violent robberies in NYChttps://pix11.com/news/local-news/livery-drivers-robberies-reward
NBC New York – Taxi drivers demand action after crime spree in Bronx and Brooklynhttps://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/livery-cabbies-crime-spree-reward
Comments